Paddleboard

ABSTRACT

In one example, a paddleboard includes a body defining a fin housing within which a fin is partially received. The fin is configured to reside in the fin housing in either of a first operating position or a second operating position, where the second operating position is different from the first operating position. Finally, a fin retention element is provided that is configured to releasably secure the fin to the body.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims priority to: U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/414,754, entitled PADDLEBOARD, filed Nov. 17,2010; and, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/507,962,entitled PADDLEBOARD WITH REINFORCING RIB, filed Jul. 14, 2011. Both ofthe aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in theirrespective entireties by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to boards, such as paddleboards,suitable for use in water sports or other activities. One or moreaspects of example embodiments may also find application in equipmentsuch as, but not limited to, surfboards, paipo boards, boards for windsurfers, knee boards, wakeboards, and body boards, examples of whichinclude boards referred to as boogie boards.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed embodiments are generally concerned with a board suitable foruse in water sports. Example embodiments of boards within the scope ofthis disclosure, which include paddleboards, surfboards, paipo boards,boards for wind surfers, knee boards, wakeboards, and body boards,examples of which include boards referred to as boogie boards, mayinclude any one or more of the following elements, in any combination: aplurality of fins configured and arranged to enable a user to trackand/or steer the board; one or more fins that are movable between atleast first and second operating positions; a fin that is movablebetween at least first and second operating positions, and is lockablein one or both of the first and second operating positions; a bodyhaving an interior that is at least partly hollow; one or moredepressions extending into an interior of a body of the board; a bodyincluding one or more tack-offs; a body including one or moredepressions at least partly filled with a buoyant material; a bodyhaving a deck at least partly covered by a deck covering; a bodyconfigured to allow a fin to be removed, repositioned, and/or replaced;a body that is at least partly formed using one or more of aroto-molding process, a blow-molding process, and a twin-sheet process;one or more handles; a removable plug; a removable plug that includes aloop assembly; a fin retention element; a body including an uppersurface having or more longitudinal ribs and/or including a lowersurface having one or more longitudinal grooves; a body whose uppersurface includes or more ribs and/or whose lower surface includes one ormore grooves, and at least one of the ribs and/or grooves constitutes orcomprises one or more tack-offs; a body having an upper surface where atleast a portion of the upper surface is recessed; a body having a fishtail configuration; a shock cord removably attachable to the board; oneor more pad eyes, which may be incorporated in a fin and/or a body of aboard, to which a shock cord may be removably attached.

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein do notconstitute an exhaustive summary of all possible embodiments, nor doesthis brief summary constitute an exhaustive list of all aspects of anyparticular embodiment(s). Rather, this brief summary simply presentsselected aspects of some example embodiments. It should be noted thatnothing herein should be construed as constituting an essential orindispensable element of any invention or embodiment. Rather, variousaspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined in a variety ofways so as to define yet further embodiments. Such further embodimentsare considered as being within the scope of this disclosure. As well,none of the embodiments embraced within the scope of this disclosureshould be construed as resolving, or being limited to the resolution of,any particular problem(s). Nor should such embodiments be construed toimplement, or be limited to implementation of, any particular technicaleffect(s) or solution(s).

Below, further example embodiments are set forth. Aspects of any one ormore of such embodiments may be combined, in any combination, to definestill further embodiments.

In a first example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one ormore portions constructed substantially of blow-molded plastic.

In a second example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one ormore portions constructed using at least one of a roto-molding process,a blow-molding process, and a twin-sheet process.

In a third example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one ormore ribs on the top of the board and/or one or more grooves on thebottom of the board.

In a fourth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one ormore ribs and/or grooves formed as part of a unitary, one-piecestructure during a blow-molding process.

In a fifth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one ormore ribs and/or grooves formed as part of a unitary, one-piecestructure during a blow-molding process, and at least one rib and/orgroove extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the length ofthe body.

In a sixth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes a riband/or groove formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during ablow-molding process, and the rib and/or groove includes, orconstitutes, one or more tack-offs.

In a seventh example embodiment, a board is provided that includes oneor more portions constructed substantially of blow-molded plastic, andat least one of such portions includes, or constitutes, a tack-off.

In an eighth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes ahollow portion into which a depression extends, and the depression is atleast partly filled with a buoyant material.

In a ninth example embodiment, a board is provided that is at leastpartly covered with a deck covering.

In a tenth example embodiment, a board is provided that is at leastpartly covered with a ethylene-vinyl acetate deck covering.

In an eleventh example embodiment, a board is provided that includes ahollow portion into which a depression extends, and one or more blocksof buoyant material are positioned in the depression.

In a twelfth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes ahollow portion into which a depression extends, and one or more foamblocks are positioned in the depression.

In a thirteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes ahollow portion into which a depression extends, and one or more expandedpolystyrene blocks are positioned in the depression.

In a fourteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includesone or more fins.

In a fifteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes oneor more movable fins.

In a sixteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes oneor more fins movable between first and second operating positions.

In a seventeenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includesone or more fins movable between first and second operating positions,such that when in the first operating position, the fin(s) mayfacilitate steering control when a user is surfing with the board.

In an eighteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includesone or more fins movable between first and second operating positions,such that when in the second operating position, the fin(s) mayfacilitate tracking when a user is paddling the board.

In a nineteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includesone or more fins, and at least one of the fins is movable between firstand second operating positions, such that when in the first operatingposition, the fin(s) may facilitate steering control when a user issurfing with the board, and when in the second operating position, thefin(s) may facilitate tracking when a user is paddling the board.

In a twentieth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes twoor more fins movable between first and second operating positions, suchthat when in the first operating position, the fins are pointed insubstantially the same direction.

In a twenty-first example embodiment, a board is provided that includestwo or more fins movable between first and second operating positions,such that when in the second operating position, the fins are pointed indifferent respective directions.

In a twenty-second example embodiment, a board is provided that includesone or more fins configured and arranged to produce a directionalinfluence that may facilitate tracking, turning and/or maneuvering ofthe board.

In a twenty-third example embodiment, a board is provided that includestwo or more fins that may point and/or angle towards each other.

In a twenty-fourth example embodiment, a board is provided that includestwo or more fins that may point and/or angle towards each other in sucha way as to produce a directional influence that may facilitatetracking, turning and/or maneuvering of the board.

In a twenty-fifth example embodiment, a board is provided that includesone or more receiving portions configured and arranged to engage one ormore respective fins.

In a twenty-sixth example embodiment, a board and/or fin includes one ormore pad eyes to which a shock cord or other element may be removablyattached.

In a twenty-seventh example embodiment, a board includes a plurality offins and is configured to enable a user to change the set-up of theboard, by adjusting the position of the fins, to assume variousconfigurations for different contemplated uses.

Any embodiment of the board that includes a body, and/or otherportion(s), constructed at least partly of blow-molded plastic may havean interior, and/or other portion(s), that is/are partly, or completely,hollow. Such embodiments may also include, disposed in a hollow portion,one or more depressions, sometimes referred to as “tack-offs.” In suchembodiments, these tack-offs may be integrally formed as part of aunitary, one-piece structure during a blow-molding process. Thedepressions may extend from a first surface, such as a first interiorsurface of the body for example, towards a second surface, such as asecond interior surface of the body for example. The ends of one or moredepressions may contact or engage the second surface, or the ends of oneor more of the depressions may be spaced apart from the second surfaceby a distance. In yet other instances, a board may include somedepressions extending from a first surface and contacting a secondsurface, and that board may further include some depressions that extendfrom a first surface but terminate short of a second surface. The secondsurface may additionally, or alternatively, be configured in the sameway as the first surface.

In some instances, one or more depressions on a first interior surfacemay be substantially aligned with corresponding depressions on a secondinterior surface, and one or more depressions on the first interiorsurface may contact one or more corresponding depressions on the secondinterior surface and/or one or more depressions on the first interiorsurface may be spaced apart from corresponding depressions on the secondinterior surface. The depressions may be sized and configured tostrengthen and/or reinforce the blow-molded plastic body, and/or anyother portion of the board.

These and other aspects of example embodiments of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following brief description ofthe drawings, the drawings themselves and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of example embodiments to furtherillustrate and clarify various aspects of the present invention. It willbe appreciated that these drawings depict only example embodiments ofthe invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventionin any way. The invention will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 2 is a partial upper perspective view of a portion of an examplepaddleboard;

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of an example paddleboard, withvarious elements removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, upper perspective view of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 7 is a partial lower perspective view of a portion of an examplepaddleboard; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example fin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As noted above, embodiments within the scope of the present inventiongenerally relate to boards, such as paddleboards, suitable for use inwater sports or other activities. One or more aspects of exampleembodiments may also find application in equipment such as, but notlimited to, surfboards, paipo boards, boards for wind surfers, kneeboards, wakeboards, and body boards, examples of which include boardsreferred to as boogie boards.

With attention first to FIG. 1, an upper perspective view of an examplepaddleboard 100 is disclosed. The paddleboard 100 may be approximately10 feet long, although other embodiments may be longer, or shorter. Thedisclosed example of a paddleboard 100 includes a body 102 having afront 102 a and a back 102 b. In at least some embodiments (and as bestshown in FIG. 5), the front 102 a may be turned up, and the back 102 bmay have a fish tail configuration. Near the front 102 a, a recess 104may be defined that provides space for a user to grasp a handle 106attached to the body 102. The handle 106 can be attached, permanently orremovably, to the body 102 in any suitable way. In at least oneembodiment, the handle 106 is attached to the body 102 with one or morefasteners 108, such as rivets, pins or screws for example. Embodimentsof the paddleboard 100 may include more than one handle 106, and thehandle 106 may be plastic, metal or other material. The paddleboard 100may include one or more plugs 110 that are configured to removablyengage the body 102. The plugs 110 may be plastic, rubber, metal, orother material, and may enable a user to drain any water that may havecollected within the body 102, and the plugs 110 may include threadsconfigured to engage corresponding threads of the body 102. Someembodiments of the paddleboard 100 may include one or more plugs 112that include a loop 112 a to which a shock cord, rope, or other elementcan be attached. As discussed in further detail below, the paddleboard100 may include one or more fins 200. Finally, at least some embodimentsof the paddleboard 100 may include deck covering 114 disposed on atleast a portion of the paddleboard 100. In some embodiments, the deckcovering 114 comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate material. The deckcovering 114 may constitute, or include, a non-slip material orconfiguration that may enable a user to better grip the paddleboard 100.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, and directing particular attentionto the body 102, embodiments of the paddleboard 100 may include a body102 that is at least partly hollow. In some embodiments, the body 102 issubstantially hollow. The body 102 may be formed as part of a unitary,one-piece structure during a blow-molding process and may include one ormore tack-offs. Additionally, or alternatively, roto-molding,twin-sheet, and/or other processes may also be employed to produce partor all of the body 102.

The body 102 may include an upper surface 102 c and a lower surface 102d. As noted earlier, a portion of the upper surface 102 c may be coveredwith a deck covering 114. The upper surface 102 c and/or lower surface102 d may incorporate a surface treatment and/or be textured in anydesired manner. The texturing can be performed with the use of chemicaletching or other processes. The type of texturing, which may be rough,smooth, or some other type, employed may vary from one part of theupper/lower surface 102 c/102 d to another. For example, texturing inthe area of the upper surface 102 c where a user is likely to stand, orto grip the paddleboard 100, may be relatively rough so as to enhancethe grip of the user.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1, at least a portion of the uppersurface 102 c may be recessed such that it lies below a pair of siderails 102 e running along the sides of the paddleboard 100. In otherembodiments, the upper surface 102 c is not recessed. The side rails 102e may curve or slope away from the upper surface 102 c, and theirposition above the recessed upper surface 102 c may lend rigidity to thepaddleboard 100. In the example of FIG. 1, a rib 102 f is provided thatruns longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of thepaddleboard 100. In terms of its orientation, the rib 102 f may belocated proximate, or on, a centerline AA of the paddleboard 100. In theexample of FIG. 1, the rib 102 f extends from a location proximate thehandle 106 to a location proximate the start of the fish tailconfiguration, although ribs of longer, or shorter, length may beemployed. In some instances, the rib 102 f may be employed by a user tostore a paddle or other equipment.

The rib 102 f may be concave, and variables such as the length, widthand depth of the rib 102 f can be varied. The rib 102 f may constitute,or include, one or more tack-offs that extend from the upper surface 102c into the interior (not shown) of the body 102. At least someembodiments of the paddleboard include multiple ribs in the uppersurface. The ribs may be substantially the same as each other, or may bedifferent from each other. For example, some ribs may be longer thanothers, and/or some ribs may be deeper and/or wider than others. In atleast one embodiment, the rib 102 f may include one or more scuppers(not shown) which allow water to drain from the paddleboard 100. By wayof example, the scupper(s) may comprise a tack-off that has been drilledout, or that has been punched out as part of a molding process.

Among other things, the use of one or more ribs 102 f in the uppersurface 102 c may lend strength and rigidity to the paddleboard 100,while also reducing its weight. The strength and rigidity of thepaddleboard 100 may be especially enhanced where the rib(s) 102 fconstitute, or comprise, one or more tack-offs that extend into theinterior of the body 102 toward the lower surface 102 d. In someembodiments, one or more of such tack-offs may contact the interior ofthe lower surface 102 d while, in other embodiments, one or more of thetack-offs may extend toward, but terminate short of, the interior of thelower surface 102 d. As suggested elsewhere herein, where the rib 102 fcomprises a plurality of tack-offs, all of the tack-offs may terminateshort of the interior of the lower surface 102 d, or one or moretack-offs may terminate short of the interior of the lower surface 102 dwhile one or more other tack-offs contact the interior of the lowersurface 102, or all of the tack-offs may contact the interior of thelower surface 102 d.

As further indicated in FIG. 1, at least some embodiments of thepaddleboard 100 may include one or more recesses 102 g that may beconfigured and arranged to facilitate gripping, carrying, and/ormaneuvering of the paddleboard 100 by a user. For example, therecess(es) 102 g positioned in the rib 102 f may provide a handhold fora user who desires to carry the paddleboard 100 under his arm.Additionally, or alternatively, one or more such handholds can belocated in the bottom of the paddleboard 100, such as in the groove(s)102 k (see FIG. 6), for example.

Directing attention now to FIG. 2, and with continued attention to FIG.1, some embodiments of the paddleboard 10 may include one or more padeyes 116 connected to the body 102. The pad eyes 116 may enable a userto removably connect retention elements 118 such as shock cords, ropes,or other devices to the body 102. In the example of FIG. 2, thepaddleboard further includes fins 200 that may include loops to which aretention element 118, such as shock cord, rope or other device can beattached. In this way, a user can use the back 102 b of the paddleboard100 to securely store various items. Although the pad eyes 116 in theexample of FIG. 2 are located at the back 102 b of the paddleboard 100,other locations may additionally or alternatively be employed.

With attention now to FIGS. 3 and 4, additional details are providedconcerning the example paddleboard 100, shown with the deck covering 114removed. As indicated in FIG. 3, the upper surface 102 c may include oneor more depressions 102 h, one or more of which may be partly, orcompletely, filled with a filler material 102 i that may be buoyant andcomprise expanded polystyrene foam, although other buoyant fillermaterials may be employed. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, fourdepressions 102 h are provided, although more or fewer depressions canbe employed. As well, the configuration, size, location and orientationof the depressions 102 h are presented solely by way of example, anddepressions of other sizes, configurations, locations and/ororientations can be employed. One or more of the depressions 102 h mayextend partway into the interior of the body 102 toward, but terminatingshort of, the interior of lower surface 102 d, one or more of thedepressions 102 h may extend toward, and contact, the interior of thelower surface 102 d, and some embodiments may include depressions 102 hof both of these configurations.

Among other things, the depressions 102 h may contribute to the strengthand rigidity of the paddleboard 100. The buoyant filler material 102 imay improve the overall buoyancy of the paddleboard 100.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, further details areprovided concerning attachment of the fins 200 to the body 102 of thepaddleboard 100. As indicated in FIG. 4, the body 102 defines a pair offin housings 102 j in which a corresponding fin 200 is configured to beat least partly received. While two fins 200 are indicated in theexample of FIGS. 4 and 5, more, or fewer, fins 200 may be employed inother embodiments. Where more than one fin housing 102 j is provided,one or more fin housings 102 j may include a removable cover in theevent that fewer than all the fin housings 102 j are employed. In thisway, a user can customize the set-up of the paddleboard 100 by usingfewer fins 200 than the maximum that the paddleboard 100 is configuredto use. Likewise, the user can customize the placement of the fins 200in a desired configuration, and can further customize the set-up of thepaddleboard 100 by mixing different types of fins in a particularconfiguration, or by removing one set of fins and replacing those finswith fins having a different physical size and/or configuration.

In order to connect and releasably retain the fins 200 to the body 102,respective fin retention elements 120 are provided. The fin retentionelements 120 are configured such that when the upper portion of each fin200 is inserted into a corresponding fin housing 102 j, the finretention element 120 can then be secured to the fin 200 and/or the body102, thereby securing the fin 200 to the body 102. The fin retentionelements 120 and the body 102 may include structures configured toreleasably engage complementary structure of the fins 200 so that thefins 200 can be removably attached to the body 102. For example, the finretention elements 120 may be configured to be removably snap-fit intoplace in the fin housing 102 j and/or onto the fin 200. As anotherexample, the fin retention elements 120 may include threads configuredto releasably engage corresponding threads of the fin 200.

As the foregoing makes clear, the fin retention elements 120 are examplestructural implementations of a means for releasably retaining a fin 200in one or more positions. Any other structure(s) of comparablefunctionality may alternatively be employed.

The fin retention elements 120 are configured, in at least someembodiments, to permit adjustments to the position of the fins 200. Forexample, by loosening and/or removing a fin retention element 120 from afin 200 and/or the body 102, the rotational position of the fin 200 canthen be adjusted. Detents, slots and/or other structures may be providedin the fin housings 102 j, the fin 200, and/or the fin retentionelements 120, to enable the fin 200 to be secured to the body 102 in anyof a variety of different positions. Such detents, slots and/or otherstructures may also enable the fin 200 to move through a defined rangeof motion. In at least some embodiments, the fins 200 may be oriented inthe same direction as each other so as to be substantially parallel whenresiding in a first operating position and, further, the fins 200 may beoriented in different directions from each other so as to be angledtoward, or away from, each other when residing in a second operatingposition. Yet other fin 200 positions may also be defined and employed.

Among other things, the ability to change the orientation of one or moreof the fins 200 may allow the user to customize the set-up of thepaddleboard to assume various configurations to suit a contemplated use.More particularly, when the fins 200 are angled toward each other in thesecond operating position, the paddleboard 100 may be in a paddlingconfiguration where such a position of the fins 200 may facilitatetracking of the paddleboard 100 when a user is paddling the paddleboard100. When the fins 200 are substantially parallel to each other in thefirst operating position (as best shown in FIG. 6), the paddleboard 100may be in a surfing configuration where such a position of the fins 200may facilitate steering control when a user is surfing with thepaddleboard 100.

Stated more generally, and as noted earlier, the paddleboard 100 isconfigured to enable a user to change the set-up of the board, byadjusting one or more of the position, type, and number of the fins, toassume various configurations for different contemplated uses. Thisattribute of the paddleboard 100 also enables a user to switch out thefins 200 for different types and/or sizes of fins, depending upon thecontemplated use of the paddleboard 100. Thus, the fins and finretention elements collectively comprise an example structuralimplementation of a means for reconfiguring the board to assumedifferent operating configurations. Any other structure(s) of comparablefunctionality may likewise be employed.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, further details are provided concerningaspects of the lower surface 102 d of the example paddleboard 100. Ingeneral, and with general reference to FIG. 6, embodiments of theinvention may include one, two, three, or more grooves 102 k in a lowersurface 102 d of the paddleboard 100. One or more of the grooves 102 kmay have the same, or different, configuration, size, and/ororientation, than one or more other grooves 102 k, and the scope of theinvention is not limited to any particular number, configuration, size,or orientation of grooves 102 k. As exemplified in FIG. 6, one groovemay be longer than another. As well, at least one of the grooves 102 kmay be substantially parallel to at least one other groove 102 k.Further, one or more grooves 102 k may be located proximate, or on, thecenterline AA of the paddleboard 100. At least one groove 102 k mayextend along a substantial portion of the length of the paddleboard 100.As well, at least one groove 102 k may constitute, or comprise, one ormore tack-offs. As such, at least a portion of at least one groove 102 kmay extend into an interior of the paddleboard 100 toward an interiorportion of, for example, the upper surface 102 c (see FIG. 1). Suchportion of the groove 102 k may, or may not, actually contact theinterior portion of the upper surface 102 c (see FIG. 1).

Referring now to the particular example of FIG. 6, two outer grooves 102k and one inner groove 102 k are provided. As shown, the outer grooves102 k are similar to each other in their configuration, size, andorientation, although in other embodiments, the outer grooves, ifemployed, may be dissimilar to each other in one or more of theseaspects. Disposed between the two outer grooves 102 k is an inner groove102 k that is shorter than the outer grooves 102 k. In the example ofFIG. 6, all of the grooves 102 k terminate in approximately the samelocation near the back 102 b of the paddleboard 100, while the two outergrooves 102 k extend further toward the front 102 a than does the innergroove 102 k. Further, and as indicated in FIG. 6, the outer grooves 102k may curve inwardly towards each other near the front 102 a of thepaddleboard 100, and one, some, or all of the grooves 102 k may have adepth that varies from one part of a groove to another part.

Finally, one or more of the grooves 102 k may include one or moretack-offs 103. One or more of the tack-offs 103 may extend into theinterior of the paddleboard 100 and contact a surface in the interior ofthe paddleboard 100 and/or terminate short of a surface in the interiorof the paddleboard 100. In the example of FIG. 6, six tack-offs 103 areindicated, although more, or fewer, tack-offs 103 may be employed.

Among other things, one or more grooves 102 k may serve to enhance thestrength and rigidity of the paddleboard 100, particularly in alongitudinal direction generally parallel to the centerline AA, whilealso facilitating tracking and maneuverability of the paddleboard 100 inuse.

With particular attention now to FIG. 8, and renewed attention to FIG.7, details are provided concerning an example fin 200 such as may beemployed in at least some example embodiments. As noted earlier herein,the paddleboard 100 may include one or more fin housings 102 j, each ofwhich is configured to removably receive a corresponding fin. As bestshown in FIG. 7, the lower surface 102 d may include a recessed portion102 d−1 in which a corresponding portion of the fin 200, discussedbelow, can be seated. The size and/or configuration of the recessedportion 102 d−1 can be varied to define a plurality of different fin 200positions.

As indicated in FIG. 8, the example fin 200 includes a fin portion 202configured to extend below the bottom of the paddleboard 100. Atop thefin portion 202 is a seat portion 204 configured to be removablyreceived, or seated, in the recessed portion 102 d−1, as shown in FIG.7. A shoulder 205 may be provided that interacts with correspondingstructure of the paddleboard 100, such as a plurality of notches (notshown) to enable the fin 200 to be secured in a plurality of differentorientations relative to the paddleboard 100. A fin post 206 of the fin200 is configured to extend into the fin housing 102 j of thepaddleboard 100 when the seat portion 204 is received in the recessedportion 102 d−1. One or more stabilizer elements 208 may be attached tothe fin post 206 and are configured to contact the interior of the finhousing 102 j when the fin 200 is positioned in the fin housing 102 j.Among other things, the stabilizer elements 208 may help to minimize, oreliminate, lateral movement of the fin post 206 in the fin housing 102j, and thereby enhance the performance of the fin 200 and thepaddleboard 100.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the fin 200 includes a threadedportion 210 that is configured to releasably engage a correspondinglythreaded fin retention element 120 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). As a result ofthis configuration and arrangement of the fin 200 and fin retentionelement 120, a user can readily loosen the fin 200 so as to be ableadjust the rotational position of the fin 200 and point the fin 200 in adesired direction. Subsequent to such an adjustment, the fin 200 can besecured in the desired position by tightening the fin retention element120 onto the fin 200. As well, the configuration and arrangement of thefin 200 and fin retention element 120 enable a user to remove and/orreplace the fin 200 if desired. With reference to both FIG. 8 and FIG.3, the example fin 200 includes a cap portion 212 that cooperates withthe fin retention element 120 to substantially close off the fin housing102 j when the fin 200 is fully received within the fin housing 102 j.Finally, the example fin 200 includes one or more retention slots 214,or comparable structures, in the upper portion of the fin 200. Asindicated in FIG. 2, the retention slots 214 may enable temporaryattachment of a retention element 118 to the top of the fin 200.

Embodiments of the fin 200 may comprise any suitable material, includingplastic, metal, rubber, carbon or carbon fiber materials, composites,and combinations of any of the foregoing. Some embodiments of the fin200 comprise a single piece of material, while other embodiments of thefin 200 comprise various portions assembled together to form the finalconfiguration. The geometry of the fin portion 202 shown in the figuresis presented by way of example only. In fact, a wide variety of otherfin portion 202 geometries may be employed depending upon variables suchas the intended use of the fin 200, and the conditions in which the fin200 is to be employed. For example, a generally triangular fin portiongeometry may be useful in some applications. As noted herein, one ormore of the fins 200 can be readily removed and replaced with anotherfin having a fin portion with a different geometry. Moreover, in someinstances, fewer than all of the fin housings 102 j may be occupied by afin.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and rangeof equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A paddleboard comprising: a body; a fin that is received in a finhousing defined by the body, the fin being configured to be received infin housing in either of a first operating position or a secondoperating position, where the second operating position is differentfrom the first operating position; and means for releasably retainingthe fin in one or more positions, and wherein the means releasablysecures the fin to the body; wherein the paddleboard is configured to bemodified by a user to assume either of a first configuration or a secondconfiguration, wherein the second configuration is different from thefirst configuration.
 2. The paddleboard as recited in claim 1, whereinin the first operating position, the fin is generally parallel to acenterline of the paddleboard.
 3. The paddleboard as recited in claim 1,wherein in the second operating position, the fin is non-parallel to acenterline of the paddleboard.
 4. The paddleboard as recited in claim 1,wherein the body is a blow-molded unitary, one-piece structure.
 5. Thepaddleboard as recited in claim 1, wherein the first configuration is asurfing configuration and the second configuration is a paddlingconfiguration.
 6. The paddleboard as recited in claim 1, wherein the finis rotatable within the fin housing.
 7. The paddleboard as recited inclaim 1, wherein a rib is defined in an upper surface of the board, andthe rib extends longitudinally along a portion of the length of theboard.
 8. The paddleboard as recited in claim 7, wherein a plurality ofgrooves are defined in a lower surface of the board, the groovesextending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the board. 9.The paddleboard as recited in claim 1, wherein a plurality ofdepressions are defined in an upper surface of the board, and thedepressions are at least partially filled with a buoyant material. 10.The paddleboard as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of theupper surface is covered with a deck covering.
 11. A paddleboardcomprising: a body; a first fin that is partially received in the body;a second fin that is partially received in the body, wherein each of thefirst and second fins are configured to reside in the body in either ofa first operating position or a second operating position, where thesecond operating position is different from the first operatingposition; and first and second fin retention elements configured toreleasably secure the first and second fins, respectively, to the body,wherein in the first operating position, the first and second fins aresubstantially parallel to a centerline of the paddleboard, and whereinin the second operating position, the first and second fins are disposedin a non-parallel orientation relative to each other.
 12. Thepaddleboard as recited in claim 11, wherein the fin retention elementsare threaded and configured to releasably engage corresponding threadson, respectively, the first and second fins.
 13. The paddleboard asrecited in claim 11, further comprising a rib defined in an uppersurface of the body, the rib extending longitudinally along asubstantial portion of the length of the board.
 14. The paddleboard asrecited in claim 11, wherein a plurality of depressions are defined inan upper surface of the board, and the depressions are at leastpartially filled with a buoyant material, and the paddleboard furthercomprising a deck covering extending over a portion of the upper surfaceof the paddleboard.
 15. A paddleboard comprising: a body formed as aunitary one-piece structure with a fish tail configuration and having asubstantially hollow interior, an upper surface of the body including arib, and at least a portion of the rib extending at least part way intothe interior of the body; a first fin that is partially received in thebody; a second fin that is partially received in the body, wherein eachof the first and second fins are configured to reside in the body ineither of a first operating position or a second operating position,where the second operating position is different from the firstoperating position; and first and second fin retention elementsconfigured to releasably secure the first and second fins, respectively,to the body, wherein in the first operating position, the first andsecond fins are substantially parallel to a centerline of thepaddleboard, and wherein in the second operating position, the first andsecond fins are disposed in a non-parallel orientation relative to eachother.
 16. The paddleboard as recited in claim 15, wherein a pluralityof depressions are defined in an upper surface of the board, and one ormore of the depressions are at least partially filled with a buoyantmaterial.
 17. The paddleboard as recited in claim 15, furthercomprising: a rib defined in an upper surface of the board, and the ribextending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the board; anda plurality of grooves defined in a lower surface of the board, thegrooves extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of theboard, wherein the rib and grooves each comprise one or more tack-offsthat extend from an exterior of the body into the interior of the body.18. The paddleboard as recited in claim 17, wherein the plurality ofgrooves comprises a center groove and two outer grooves, the centergroove being located proximate a centerline of the paddleboard and beingshorter than the two outer grooves.
 19. The paddleboard as recited inclaim 15, further comprising a plurality of pad eyes, at least one ofwhich is formed as part of one of the fins.
 20. The paddleboard asrecited in claim 15, and comprising one or more of a drain plug, a drainplug having a loop, and a handle.